Overview
Thailand English Teaching Internship

This exciting internship programme takes participants to the beautiful Krabi Province of Thailand. From the start of the internship, participants are immersed in community English teaching programmes which run in conjunction with their TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) certification training, and have the opportunity to become qualified teachers. Throughout the programme exciting adventure and cultural side trips are run to gain the most of this stunning region. Participants who complete their 10 week initial teacher training at the GVI base in southern Thailand will then be equipped and ready to move on to an additional 3-9 months volunteer teaching placement in communities requesting assistance throughout Thailand. In addition, GVI also offers a job placement service to all GVI TEFL graduates, assisting them in finding further paid placements in local communities around the world or paid positions in the TEFL Industry if possible. GVI is listed as an Institutional Member of the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL) and is a Member the College of Teachers (CoT).

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Along with the excellent teaching practice and TEFL training, I have gained the invaluable experience of making strong connections with the people of Thailand and have brought something useful into the communities that I fell in love with.

Anjali Lai, GVI Volunteer 2008

What Difference Does This Internship Make?

Ao Luk is located in Krabi province in the south of Thailand, a rapidly developing traditional Thai community. GVI’s Thailand internship focuses on building local capacity by providing English language and environmental education to the local people, so they can maximise from the benefits of the resurging tourist trade. In Ao Luk, GVI works closely with a number of local organisations and attendance of GVI’s English lessons is fully credited towards graduation from one of the area’s recognised education centres. This English language education assists in providing local people with viable employment alternatives, who have previously had little or no opportunity.

Highlights

Participating in a 100-hour TEFL course, as desired; immersing yourself in a traditional Thai community within a beautiful tropical paradise; living and working alongside local people, experiencing their culture, food and way of life; assisting in both child and adult education programs, visiting and teaching within the local schools, community centre, expedition base and in the open environment; learning how to cook a number of tasty Thai dishes, including some regional favourites; going on an exciting trip to Wat Tham Seua (the Tiger Cave Temple) – a forest monastery built upon a karst cliff with stunning views.

Skills And Qualifications Received

• TEFL Training and certification (100-hour)


• Classroom teaching experience


• Curriculum development and lesson planning; Resource making


• Report writing and public speaking experience


• First Aid & CPR training (certification optional)


• Basic Thai Language


• Introduction to Thai culture and community, which may include cooking and religion


• Environmental education and community development


• Interpersonal skills

See Requirements And Training page for more information

Location

The Krabi province is located on the Andaman Sea, and is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, numerous national parks and stunning scenery with a wide range of attractions. Most famous is Phang Nga Bay, a geological wonder filled with islets, sunken caverns and startling rock formations rising sheer out of the sea. The 120 small islands are world-famous for their beautiful, unspoilt beaches and spectacular scenery which is renowned for attracting divers from around the world. The base in located in Ao Luk town, 45 mins inland from the beach and Phang Nga. Being close to town, the base gives volunteers the opportunity to be completely immersed in the local culture, and enjoy the beaches and cultural destinations at weekends. Interns choosing the 6, 9, or 12 month option will be placed at other locations throughout Thailand for the last 3-9 months of their stay.

See Life on the internship page for more information

Field Conditions

The GVI base is located in the Krabi Province, close to a number of natural attractions including mountains, waterfalls, caves, mangroves and white-sand beaches. The base has running water, electricity, a basic kitchen, a communal area, a small library and dorm-room accommodations with bunk beds. Cooking and cleaning of the base is shared on a rotational basis by GVI volunteers. The TEFL training will take place on base, and the English Language lessons and other presentations will be conducted at the local community centre and in surrounding villages.

See Life on the internship page for more information